In the vast realm of Hyrule, which has been split into three timelines, Link faces countless perils. The hero has to rely on more than just his sword to save the day. He can find, craft, or buy numerous other gadgets to help him with his quest to save the world.
What provides, though, Link with crucial defense against foes and environmental hazards are his shields. Link has used various forms of defense from the iconic Hylian shield to relics like the Mirror shield.
10 Deku Shield
Wooden shields are quite common in Hyrule, as they are usually the first to be equipped. The Deku Shield is a bit more special, as it is meant only for children, meaning it can be obtained only by a young Link.
The Deku Shield first appeared in Ocarina of Time, and its red emblem symbolized the children of the forest, the Kokiri. Its design was based on the Spiritual stone of the forest, the Kokiri's emerald.
9 Fighter's Shield
The Fighter's Shield is the initial shield in one of the best SNES games, A Link to the Past. It possesses a unique trait of automatically blocking attacks when Link is positioned correctly.
This feature allows Link to prioritize offense while the shield handles all the defense. However, its effectiveness relies on the player's familiarity with the enemy's attack patterns and can prove challenging for newcomers.
8 Red Shield
The Red Shield is the initial upgrade in A Link to the Past and bestows the hero the ability to deflect and counter enemy fireballs and attacks. Though it falls short of the Mirror Shield's power, it helps Link in his journey.
Acquiring the Red Shield requires the sacrifice of the Fighter's Shield at a fairy fountain and a substantial sum of 500 Rupees.
7 Guardian Shield
The Guardian Shield of Breath of the Wild emerges as a unique defensive tool. Low-level Guardian Scouts usually wield the original version of the shield, and it offers a solid defense rate of 18.
There is, though, the upgraded version of the Guardian Shield ++, carried by tougher enemies. It surpasses the capabilities of metal shields and is also great for deflecting beams right back at the Guardians.
6 Magical Shield
The Magical Shield stands as a fan favorite with its iconic cross-design. It was the best shield to be used in the first installment of the franchise and offered a superior defense.
The Magical Shield also appeared four times in the animated series, where Link would magically shrink it and keep it in his pocket. He would use it to block Ganon's attacks or as a means of transportation.
5 Goddess Shield
The Goddess Shield is the ultimate upgrade for Sacred Shields in Skyward Sword. It can be acquired in the Scrap Shop, and it's adorned with the visage of the Goddess Hylia.
True to its name, this shield retains the Sacred Shield's abilities, repelling cursed enemies and offering resistance against fire and electricity. Although its durability is low, it can recover itself over time.
4 Royal Guard's Shield
Forged using advanced Sheikah technology, the Royal Guard's Shield possesses an unparalleled defensive power of 70. It is, however, quite fragile and impractical for prolonged combat.
Crafted exclusively for the Royal Family's guards to confront the menace of Calamity Ganon, it shares its design with the Royal Shield but with a darker hue and diminished durability.
3 Savage Lynel Shield
The Savage Lynel Shield is one of the best you can acquire and is earned by defeating white-haired Lynels. It can withstand ferocious attacks while simultaneously delivering devastating blows.
In Breath of the Wild, one can be found hidden in a treasure chest underneath the Hyrule castle. In Tears of Kingdom, it can be obtained as a drop in the Akkala Highlands or Central Hyrule Depths. It's a must have when adventuring around Hyrule.
2 Hylian Shield
The legendary Hylian Shield, an iconic symbol within the Legend of Zelda series, made its debut in Ocarina of Time. The shield used to be the symbol of Hylian Knights who carried it proudly.
While its design may vary across games, one constant remains. The Hylian Shield displays the emblem of the Triforce at the top and the bottom a Hylian crest. The crest symbolizes Goddess Hylia and Link's Crimson Loftwing, as seen in Skyward Sword.
1 Mirror Shield
The Mirror Shield is a formidable presence in The Legend of Zelda series. This recurring shield can reflect not only light beams but also magical projectiles.
A Link To The Past presents it as the ultimate shield, surpassing its predecessors, safeguarding Link against formidable threats like Laser Eyes and Lynels. In The Wind Waker, it replaces the Hero's Shield, making it the best choice.